Elevated Period Home with Stunning Marsh and Sea Views in Cley

Reed Cottage is a distinguished period semi-detached home with a remarkable heritage, formerly serving as the head Coastguard’s cottage - one of the most strategically positioned properties along this stretch of the North Norfolk coast. Set high on Hilltop, its elevated vantage point was deliberately chosen for its full, unobstructed command of the shoreline and marshes below. In its operational years, this cottage was a fully functional Coastguard service unit: coastal rescue equipment was stored and maintained on site, and rocket warning signals were launched directly from the garden during emergencies, ensuring the safety of those at sea. Its presence has long been recognised locally as a defining landmark on the approach to Cley, a reminder of the coastline’s maritime past.

Today, Reed Cottage retains that strong sense of identity. The current owners have sympathetically restored the original timber lookout in the garden - once a working vantage point for watchkeeping - creating a unique and atmospheric feature that pays homage to the property’s operational roots. This rare survival of a Coastguard lookout structure, combined with the cottage’s elevated aspect and characterful architecture, reinforces its standing as one of Hilltop’s most recognisable historic dwellings.

Inside, the cottage flows with warmth and light. A bright sitting room occupies one side of the ground floor, while the dining room and adjoining kitchen form an inviting, sociable space opposite. A practical utility and shower room enhances the ground floor layout. Upstairs, the main bedroom mirrors the sitting room’s generous proportions and enjoys sweeping north-to-south views - a favourite vantage point for observing the marshes, sea and the gentle rhythm of walkers and wildlife along the West Bank . Two further bedrooms sit above the kitchen and dining area, complemented by a family bathroom at the rear.

Outside, the appeal continues. The frontage offers ample parking for several vehicles, while the entire plot extends to over 0.2 acres. The rear garden is well-kept, with areas cultivated for growing flowers and produce - an aspect the owners have enjoyed deeply during their 30 years here. The terraces of the garden are set against the backdrop of the marshes and the sea, combining a sense of openness and privacy.

Reed Cottage is a home defined not only by its character and comfort, but by its extraordinary sense of place. Beautifully positioned, historically significant and deeply woven into the coastal story of Cley, it offers a lifestyle that is both tranquil and connected - one shaped by community, wildlife, open sky and sea.

CLEY-NEXT-THE-SEA
Cley-next-the-Sea is renowned for its winter visitors and rare native birds, visible from the village’s iconic windmill. This quaint coastal village boasts unique shops, two pubs, a church, and acclaimed food spots like The Cley Smoke House for smoked fish and Picnic Fayre for gourmet delicacies.

Just under five miles away lies Holt, a community-focused town known for its local events such as the Holt Festival and 1940s Weekend. Holt features traditional shops like a butcher, fishmonger, and greengrocer, alongside Bakers and Larners, a historic department store and food hall since 1770. Gresham’s School, founded in 1955, adds to the town’s rich heritage.

Holt offers chic boutiques and lifestyle stores, including Norfolk Natural Living for locally made fragrances. Byfords deli and café, believed to be the town’s oldest house, is a perfect spot to relax with coffee and watch the world go by.

For those seeking a coastal lifestyle, Cley-next-the-Sea and Holt epitomize the charm and community spirit of North Norfolk.

SERVICES CONNECTED
Mains water and electricity. Shared septic tank. Electric central heating.

COUNCIL TAX
Band D.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING
To be confirmed.
To retrieve the Energy Performance Certificate for this property please visit and enter in the reference number above. Alternatively, the full certificate can be obtained through Sowerbys.

TENURE
Freehold.

LOCATION
What3words: ///circulate.sits.sulky

WEBSITE TAGS
sea-breeze
perfect-views
village-spirit

Parking - Driveway